MS HB1284

Creates the "Self-Employment Assistance Program Act" to provide weekly allowances equal to regular unemployment benefits to individuals participating in entrepreneurial training, business counseling, and technical assistance activities.

Limits participation to individuals identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits, with a maximum of 5% of total regular benefit recipients participating at any time.

Exempts participating individuals from availability-for-work requirements and earnings limitations on self-employment income while requiring active full-time engagement in business establishment activities.

Establishes a 9-member Self-Employment Assistance Program Steering Committee including representatives from business organizations, the Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Small Business Development Center, and the Department of Employment Security to adopt program rules.

Implements the program for weeks beginning after July 1, 2011, or after federal Department of Labor approval of the required plan, whichever is later, with authority terminating when federal law ceases to authorize such programs.